Rules at DNR owned ranges

In July 2017, the legislature approved statewide range rules to ensure safety and provide consistency across state owned ranges. Signs at ranges summarizing these rules are coming soon. In the meantime read and understand the rules below and check at the range for any specific to that particular location.

NR 45.095 Shooting ranges.

GENERAL RANGE RULES. No person at a shooting range may:

Handle a weapon in a negligent or reckless manner.

Discharge any weapon on the range while any part of a person is down range of the firing line.

Point any weapon in use at the designated firing line in any direction other than down range.

Fail to comply with a cease fire order called by the range officer or any other person

Fail to make reasonable efforts to ensure all discharged projectiles impact the backstop.

Leave any loaded weapon unattended at any time.

Shoot at targets that are not placed in designated target area or affixed to target stands, if provided, unless the person is sighting or patterning a shotgun with size T or smaller shot.

Shoot at items placed on the ground or at targets not posted at the designated height, unless the person is sighting or patterning a shotgun with size T or smaller shot.

Unless otherwise posted at the range, shoot during the period beginning at sunset and ending at sunrise.

Shoot, or attempt to shoot structures or objects that are not designated targets, or that are outside designated firing lanes.

Shoot at archery targets with anything other than a bow or crossbow.

Use any weapons or projectiles that discharge paint.

Use incendiary, exploding, glass or other breakable materials as targets.

Fail to properly dispose of targets other than clay targets used on an established shotgun shooting range.

Fail to collect and properly remove or dispose of all spent shell casings and cartridges, live ammunition, targets, arrows, bolts and materials brought onto the range.

While shooting at a shooting range, possess or consume an intoxicant or other restricted controlled substance

In addition to being subject to the penalties set forth in s. 27.98, Wis. Stats., a person who violates any provision in this section may be evicted from the shooting range pursuant to s. NR 45.04 (3) (b).

This section does not apply to training activities conducted by a law enforcement agency.